Vietnamese Big-headed Turtle

Vietnamese Big-headed Turtle

Geographical Range

Northern Vietnam

Habitat

Rocky mountain streams

Scientific Name

Platysternon megacephalum shiui

Conservation Status

Endangered

This animal is well-named. Its head is half the width of its shell -- too large to be pulled in for protection. Instead, its skull has a bony "roof" that extends down the sides of the face. This turtle is a good climber, thanks to its hooked beak, powerful claws, flat shell and muscular tail. It inhabits the rocky mountain streams and brooks of northern Vietnam, where it conceals itself during the day among partially submerged stones.